On With The Show: 4 Ways Beyonce Can Own The Super Bowl

February 1, 2013 - 5:23 pm
by
Keith Murphy

“Any questions,” asked an emboldened Beyonce during yesterday’s press conference promoting her upcoming Super Bowl half-time gig. The singer had just given a live impromptu performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” a bombastic showing meant to answer critics who lambasted the Grammy-winning vocalist for lip-synching America’s national anthem just 11 days ago at President Obama’s re-inauguration.

“Due to the weather, due to the delay, due to no proper sound check, I did not feel comfortable taking a risk,” a confident Beyonce added when asked by a throng of reporters about the controversy. “It was about the President and the inauguration, and I wanted to make him and my country proud. So I decided to sing along with my pre-recorded track, which is very common in the music industry, and I'm very proud of my performance.”

For critics who were all too eager to lump B with notorious lip-synching acts like Milli Vanilli and Britney Spears, it was a classy middle finger. Beyonce’s talent should never be disputed. But as she gears up for her most important gig to date, here are a few points to follow to make the singer’s half-time Super Bowl debut a rousing success.—Keith Murphy (murphdogg29)

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4. Lip-Synching? Don’t Even Think About

Let’s be clear. The only music artist that could ever dream of getting away with not singing live on the TV’s most watched stage is the late Michael Jackson. The Gloved One did just that during his memorable half-time show during Super Bowl XXVII. Highlights: MJ standing onstage in an immobile pose for nearly two minutes as 98,000 Rose Bowl faithful went ape-sh*t crazy. The decoy Michael Jacksons placed cleverly around the stadium. The heavily choreographed medley of Billie Jean," "Black or White" and "Jam." A chorus of 3000 children singing “We Are The World” backing up the King of Pop as the entire audience participated in the visual extravaganza.
Beyonce would have to reach such over-the-top heights if she were to decide to go the lip-synching route. Good thing Mrs. Carter is taking the traditional approach. “I will absolutely be singing live,” she said at the press conference. “I am well rehearsed and I will absolutely be singing live. This is what I was born to do. What I'm born for.” Smart move, B.
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3. Please…For God’s Sake, Avoid ‘Nipple-Gate’

At 31, Beyonce ranks as the youngest half-time show performer since Janet Jackson decided to flash her boob in 2004, igniting a FCC freak-out and rabid public outcry. J.J.’s brazen stunt (or wondrous, glorious gift depending on your point of view) spooked producers into recruiting a series of geriatric classic rock acts designed to sidestep such a WTF!!! moment. Which means B should steer clear of any wardrobe malfunctions, as much of a rewind-worthy sight that would be. Or else the next Super Bowl performer will be these guys:
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Word to Justin Timberlake.

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2. Hey B…Take Cues From The Purple One

If Beyonce wants to knock it out of the proverbial park, the powerhouse vocalist should look no further than Prince’s peerless 2007 Super Bowl stand. Much of the glowing praise centered around the guitar-wailing legend heroically pulling off “Purple Rain”…in the pouring rain. But it was the complete package that had critics calling it the greatest half-time exhibition of all-time. Prince’s explosive mix of hits, intriguing covers and clever surprises (bringing out Florida A&M’s marching band was a nice touch) made for epic theater.
Beyonce’s rumored leaked set-list? Let’s re-work that. “Crazy In Love” should still be on the menu. It’s simply too good to pass up. But how about “Get Me Bodied”? That infectious track would give the ‘Yonce plenty of space to show off those majestic pipes and interact with her background dancers, especially on the song’s infectious, bust-a-move, break-down. “Countdown” works as well—it seems ready-made for an army of brass players. If you want to throw in some rock & roll (remember the NFL’s main demographic, folks), breaking out into the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Woman” would make the most jaded Middle America football fan pump his/her fist in the air. And you want a tear-jerker moment? Deliver a tribute to all of the people lost to senseless gun violence over the past few months with the uplifting song “Halo”? Bring your lighters.

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1. Scratch Destiny’s Child, Bring Out The Hubby

While hardcore fans continue to ponder the mystery of whether or not Beyonce will reunite with Destiny’s Child during her half-time production, the rest of us are left to ask: is it really that serious? Witnessing B, Kelly and Michelle belting out “Survivor” would be a warm and fuzzy nod to some pre-“Crazy In Love” nostalgia, but an appearance by Jay-Z would be much cooler. Throw in The Roots as a backing band (hey, we can dream, right?) and you would have the makings of one of Beyonce’s most spectacular live showings. Sign us up.